It’s been 84 years since we popped the champagne corks as the clock struck 2023, and we’ve spent every second of the decades that have made up January so far watching our bank balances eke ever closer to the danger zone.

No matter how many times we seem to wake up, work, sleep it off and repeat, payday just doesn’t feel like it’s getting any closer. After indulging over December (which, let’s admit it, most of us did) we all likely started off the year on a slight financial back foot.

Thankfully at Sandton Central, we’re here to tide you through the rough bit of the month until February rolls in, with budget-friendly activities and frugal promotions to make that empty wallet feel a little less worrying. Here are some ways to save money in Sandton Central, because living the good life doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Plan a free day out in the park

Sometimes it feels like just existing on this planet somehow costs money. There seems to be some tariff on everything, which can make having fun when you’re on a tight budget seem like a distant and unachievable possibility.

Thankfully, one activity that’s always a gorgeous way to spend a day comes at no cost to you whatsoever: spending time in the park! In Sandton Central we have a whole array of totally free parks for you to frolic in, and they’re all conveniently close enough to one another that you could visit more than one in a day.

If you’re an active person, George Lea Park is the official home of the Sandton Sports club, which hosts fun runs and activity days that you can join! Keep an eye on their upcoming events on their Instagram page.

Mushroom Park, named because it used to be a mushroom farm, is an ideal place to take kids for a day of activities. It’s got an interactive children’s play area, an earth garden, an amphitheater, an outdoor gym and a duck pond.

If you’re a botanist at heart, Innesfree Park boasts some of Joburg City Parks’ finest landscaping, making it a tranquil escape for the plant lover to unwind in. You might even catch an outdoor show or exhibition when you pay it a visit!

Sandton Central Park is conveniently located directly in the middle of the neighbourhood, meaning it’s always buzzing with activity. Why not bring a soccer ball or picnic blanket and actively make some friends in your community?

Grab a budget-friendly bite to eat

Dining out doesn’t always have to be a luxurious 5-course meal with a bill to match. In fact, if you’re smart about it, you might even spend LESS on a meal at a restaurant than you would cooking the same dish at home.

Try out Meat Free Mondays at Doppio Zero in Sandton City with 15% off their full array of vegan and vegetarian dishes every Monday. Download the Starbucks Rewards App to redeem regular rewards and promotions on your morning caffeine boost from Starbucks Sandton City.

If you’re a fan of flame-grilled goodness, pop into San Antonio Spur for the Unreal Breakfast for only R49.99 before 11 AM, and enjoy Cheeseburger Mondays for only R69.99 a cheeseburger meal at the start of the week.

Golden Rose Chinese food offers R88 sushi platter lunches every day of the week and 50% off their 32-piece platter box on Mondays. On Wednesdays, you can double up on two of your favourite Burgerack single burgers for only R69.90 – or be generous and share your special with a friend.

Discover countless new worlds of imagination at the Sandton Library

Located in Nelson Mandela Square, the Sandton Library allows you to flip through the pages of over 92 000 books, completely free of charge! The library also boasts a wide range of audiobooks, videos, music CDs, and language tapes for you to peruse.

The hard-working librarians bring in local daily and weekly newspapers to flip through as well as periodicals and Provincial & Government Gazettes. Boasting seating for over 200 people, the expansive library has sections for children, adults, referencing, and study – so you can enjoy reading and learning in comfort.

There are also internet and computing facilities, as well as tons of comfy couches, so it’s the perfect destination in which to expand your mind without spending a cent. Whether you’re planning and executing a project, wanting to learn more about something that excites you, or simply looking to get lost in an enrapturing story, pop into the library.

There’s bound to be something for you nestled in the shelves. Bear in mind though, that borrowing any materials to take home will incur a small monthly fee. For this many entertainment and learning possibilities, though, we think it’s worth the minimal spend.

See? You don’t have to keep splashing out to live your best life in Sandton Central. We’ve endeavoured to create a space that’s accessible at every price point because we understand that building community is about so much more than commerce. It’s about people, health, sharing time with one another and learning together. As we see out the end of what’s felt like a very long month, we know we can rely on the Sandton Central community to keep providing memorable experiences and valuable connections. Come visit us here in Sandton Central to experience that vibrant community for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!